Introduction
These Crispy Cheddar and Bacon-Coated Chicken Tenders are everything you want in comfort food: juicy chicken on the inside, outrageously crunchy on the outside, and packed with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or when you want to seriously impress with minimal effort. Best of all, they’re baked (not fried!) but still deliver that deep, crispy crunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs (700 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Coating
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped (about 8 slices)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
2. Set Up the Coating Station
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In another bowl, mix the cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Press the chicken firmly into the cheddar-bacon coating, making sure it’s well covered on all sides.
- Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet or rack.
4. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until:
- The coating is golden brown and crispy
- The chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—keep a close eye on it!
Method Summary
- Baking Method: Oven-baked for a crispy texture without deep frying
- Coating Technique: Egg wash followed by a cheese-bacon-breadcrumb crust
- Cooking Style: High-heat baking ensures juicy chicken and crunchy coating
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, a fresh green salad, or crispy fries. These tenders also make amazing sliders or wraps the next day (if there are any left!).